• What kinds of writing do you do in your field/job?
Most of the writing I do is based on pedagogy, or the function or work of a teacher. Specifically, I like to write articles describing best practices and lessons that can be used in elementary and mid-level science classrooms.
  • Please tell me about the kind of writing you do on an average day.
On an average day, I spend most of my time doing informal writing (i.e. responding/writing to emails, Internet, personal writing, etc.) I also do technical and job related writing (course syllabi, professional committee work, work for the various state and national science boards on which I serve, written reviews of other authors work for Science and Children, a National Science Teachers Association teaching journal for which I serve as a manuscript reviewer, etc.)
  • For what purposes do you write?
Work, committee service both related to my profession and for a community organization (theater) for which I serve as an officer.
For what audiences do you write?
Primarily for practicing and pre-service K – 12 teachers, and usually for the ones who teach science. However, I have occasionally published articles to address other areas of teaching and administration. I also write on a regular basis to three grant agencies through which I have been awarded $1.7 million for the theater group and need to write them at least monthly (sometimes weekly) to report progress, etc.
  • What is the title of one research article you admire? (Note that this must be a research article--not a book)
I’m certainly more a fan of practical, pedagogy rich writing than of traditional research articles. However, there are some. Most articles by Rodger Bybee are very good, like this one, which describes a method of science instruction he has championed very successfully. http://science.education.nih.gov/houseofreps.nsf/b82d55fa138783c2852572c9004f5566/$FILE/Appendix%20D.pdf
  • What is it that you admire about this article?
The practical ways it can be implemented into the classroom, thereby encouraging student success in developing into scientifically literate citizens.
  • What do you get out of the writing you do?
I honestly do it because it is expected of me in my position. Were it not for that, I would probably not do it as often. However, I do get a great personal satisfaction out of providing other teachers with effective teaching methods and strategies. It is especially rewarding when a reader sends a note of thanks, or writes a positive review of something I have published.